misuse

American  

[mis-yoos, mis-yooz] / mɪsˈyus, mɪsˈyuz /

noun

1. wrong or improper use; misapplication.

   Synonyms:

   misappropriation, misemployment

2. Obsolete. bad or abusive treatment.

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verb (used with object)

misused, misusing

1. to use wrongly or improperly; misapply.

2. to treat badly or abusively; maltreat.

misuse British  

noun

1. erroneous, improper, or unorthodox use

   misuse of words

2. cruel or inhumane treatment

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verb

1. to use wrongly

2. to treat badly or harshly

3. to use (something, esp alcohol, drugs, etc) improperly

Etymology

Origin of misuse

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; mis- ¹, use

Example Sentences

Many are concerned that there is insufficient understanding of how to ensure it cannot be misused by bad actors or nudged to go rogue.

From Los Angeles Times

Opening the case for the prosecution, Duncan Atkinson KC said that Wai had misused Home Office and police computer systems to conduct searches for personal gain.

From BBC

The firm warns against misuse of the tech, advising users to show others when the recording light is on and avoid recording in private spaces.

From BBC

The development deepens union anxieties more than two years after concerns about the use and misuse of artificial intelligence led to back-to-back strikes.

From Los Angeles Times

Under California law, police agencies are required to adopt detailed usage and privacy policies governing license plate data, restrict access to authorized purposes, and regularly audit searches to prevent misuse.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• corruption
• exploitation
• harm
• maltreatment
• mistreatment
• prostitution
• squandering
• waste